Basic Website Layout
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Website Layout and Structure
The basic layout of a website follows a pattern of organization that makes it easy for search engines to index your site.
Also, a website that is well organized will be much easier to maintain.
Unless your website is constructed with an arrangement that is both logical and clean your efforts can be wasted and maintenance will be difficult.
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The Basic Website LayoutIf you have followed me up to this point your website outline should look something like this; |
Basic website layout diagram |
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Homepage/Index Page
You have decided on your homepage design and have included links from it to the main sections of your website. This should be considered the first tier of content and lead into the interior of your site. Here is where your visitor is first introduced to your website.
If you are going to be serious about this website of yours then put a large part of your efforts into perfecting this homepage/index page. First impressions are important on the Web just as in life.
Main Sections/Site Index
The main sections of your site have been identified and placed in order of importance in your navigation scheme. When your visitors leave your homepage the first thing they should see is a listing or layout of all the main topics/main sections covered in your website.
This listing is not to be confused with a sitemap. Your site index should provide links only to the main sections of your website. Links to the content of these sections can be included in the pages following the main topics.
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Subsections/Database
Subsections are placed in their proper categories and the content has been decided upon. This is where the main body of your website content resides. (i.e. database) They contain the bulk of the information that you are presenting to your visitors.
Many online marketers call these the money pages. Chances are that if your visitor has clicked their way down to this level, they are interested enough to buy your product or ideas. This is the area in which most ad clicks occur.
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Developing the Basic Website Layout
Outline your website layout and organized your ideas and content into a concept that satisfies the purpose of your website. Draw a layout diagram showing the basic divisions of your website. It doesn't have to be fancy but it should reflect a pattern that will be followed throughout your site.
Organize your files into a structure that reflects your website layout. Develop website files and directories that are easy to maintain and track as your website grows. The time that you spend on this aspect of your website design is important. Draw a diagram, organize your files and stick to a website structure that is easy to maintain.
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- The Importance of Website Content
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